How To Grow A Holiday Cactus - Christmas, Thanksgiving & Easter Cactus Differences
Did you know that the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus all look deceptively similar, but are actually different plants? They are named after the time of year they normally bloom,each around their namesake holiday. Easter cactus, which blooms in spring, actually belongs to an entirely different family!
The Christmas cactus has rounded scalloped leaves, while the Thanksgiving cactus has pointy leaf tips. The Easter cactus also has more rounded scalloped edges.
Holiday Cactus Care
Luckily, caring for all three kinds of holiday cactus is essentially the same.
In most growing zones, they are not considered hardy and will need to be kept as a houseplant year round or brought indoors during the colder months. Unlike their desert cactus cousins that require a warm and dry environment, Christmas cacti prefer humidity and moisture. They like bright, indirect light, and temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Make A Christmas Cactus Rebloom
Many holiday cacti rebloom each year on their own. However, to ensure blooming at the right time, there are a few extra steps you can take.
Once the plant has ceased all flowering, or about 6-8 weeks before you want it to rebloom, you should allow the plant to begin its dormancy cycle.
First, cut back on watering and reduce both light and temperature. The plant should receive 12-14 hours of darkness per day, with an average temperature of only 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to put the holiday cactus in total darkness, away from any indoor or outdoor lights. These forced “long nights” are meant to imitate what the plant would experience in its native region.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Once the flower buds appear, slowly acclimate it back to its original location and resume normal care.
Potting Holiday Cactus
This type of plant is happiest when its roots are slightly crowded so repotting should be infrequent.
If, after a few years, your plant needs a new container, be sure to use a porous, lightweight, well-drained cactus potting mix in a pot with a drainage hole. You should repot a Christmas cactus after it has finished blooming.
Visit Our Complete Guide to Houseplant Care
Fertilizer for Holiday Cacti
The Christmas cactus does not need or want frequent fertilization, but a dose once a month during the non-blooming season can be helpful. A mild solution of a general houseplant fertilizer or specific formula for cacti and succulents is recommended.
Pruning a Holiday Cactus
You can prune a Christmas cactus annually if needed. Cut between two leaf segments, or cut the entire plant back by one third.
Propagating a Christmas Cactus
You can easily propagate a Christmas cactus by taking a short Y-shaped segment, letting it sit out for a few days to heal, then burying one quarter of its length into cactus mix. Keep the cuttings slightly moist and in just 2 weeks, you will have new roots!
Amy Draiss, Digital Community Manager at Gardening Know How since 2021, seamlessly blends her hands-on gardening experience with a digital green thumb. With roots in family landscaping and management at a garden center, Amy has cultivated expertise in plants, supplies, and customer relations. Residing in the Midwest, Amy tends to her two-acre haven, showcasing a diverse range of trees, shrubs, and perennials. As the Hydrangea Queen, she shares her love for these blooms and imparts gardening wisdom through videos and social media. Beyond gardening, Amy enjoys quality time with her family, travel, and theme parks. Amy's mission is to inspire and advise plant enthusiasts, fostering flourishing gardens for both seasoned and budding gardeners alike.
-
9 Host & Hostess Gift Ideas That Are So Much Better Than A Boring Bottle Of Wine
Toast your holiday host with a gift they’ll love! Explore an expert-approved list of plant-themed presents that mean so much more than a boring bottle of wine.
By Laura Walters
-
Bee Cups For Thirsty Pollinators
Have you heard about Bee Cups? They're the sustainable, woman-owned business dedicated to saving the bees, one sip at a time.
By Caroline Bloomfield
-
How Long Do Mums Last? Plus, How To Make Chrysanthemum Flowers Last Longer
Chrysanthemums have the potential for enduring displays as we enter the quieter months of the year. But how long do mums last? Here’s how to maximize your fall blooms
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Time To Transplant Peonies: Why Fall Is The Best Time To Move Peonies, And How To Do It Right
If you want the healthiest peonies, replanting is a great way to boost longevity. Here’s why fall is the best time to move peonies, and how to transplant them correctly.
By Tonya Barnett
-
7 Hydrangea Care Mistakes To Avoid If You Want Stunning Blooms
Hydrangeas are heroes of the summer garden, but these common care errors will stunt plants' growth potential and result in poor flowering.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
8 Fast-Growing Ground Cover Plants – Hide Bare Soil And Curb Weeds
Ground cover plants are the ideal solution to green up bare patches of soil. These fast-growing varieties will add a professional look to your landscaping design in no time.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Time For Peony Trimming: When To Cut Back Peonies For Longer Lasting Plants
You may love peonies, but do you know when to get busy with the snippers? Find out when to cut back peonies, as our expert advice points you in the right direction
By Tonya Barnett
-
6 Common Peony Diseases: How To Identify, Prevent & Treat Them
Peony diseases can ruin blooms and even be fatal to these typically long-lived plants. That’s why it’s important to learn how to identify, prevent, and treat problems before they cause lasting damage.
By Laura Walters
-
Types Of Peonies Every Gardener Should Know
Knowing the different types of peonies helps when you want your garden to include these fabulous plants. Showy and always impressive, peonies are an elegant addition.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Orchid Care: How To Grow Happy, Healthy Plants Indoors
Growing orchids as houseplants is such a rewarding hobby. Learn their unique care needs to keep plants thriving and bursting with flowers.
By Melanie Griffiths